MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday has summoned four of its enforcers for alleged extortion caught in a video that went viral on social media.
In a statement, the LTO said the four enforcers were from the Field Enforcement Division and were recorded trying to allegedly extort PHP8,000 from a motorist flagged down at an LTO checkpoint in Bocaue town in Bulacan province going towards the Philippine Arena area.
"LTO Chief Jose Arturo 'Jay Art' Tugade already ordered that the four enforcers be relieved from their duties pending investigation," it said.
The enforcers have been summoned to appear Monday at the office of the Law Enforcement Services at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City for further investigation.
Tugade said an investigation into the incident is underway. Once found guilty, the enforcers will be "immediately stripped of their duties". The LTO will also pursue the filing of administrative cases including recommending possible criminal charges.
"The campaign against corruption is one of the earliest initiatives I undertook upon assumption into office. There will be zero tolerance on corruption,” Tugade said.
He said there would be a "relentless campaign" to weed out LTO personnel involved with so-called "fixers" and other illegal activities.
He also thanked the individuals who reported the incident through social media.
"Those who may want to get involved or are already involved in illegal activities better think about it first because now, not only the LTO but also the netizens, are watching them," he said. (PNA)
